Automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment. The invention discloses electromechanical means for processing an input signal and manipulating physical aspects of the exercise equipment such that the equipment collapses for easier storage or movement. The invention is adaptable to a wide range of electronic exercise equipment such as complete exercise systems, treadmills, exercise bicycles, sit-up devices, rowing machines, and other such devices.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/752,304, filed Dec. 20, 2005 entitled “Automated Mechanism ForCollapsing Exercise Equipment,” which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Various embodiments of this invention relate to mechanisms forcollapsing exercise equipment; specifically, to mechanisms forcollapsing exercise equipment that utilize an automatedelectromechanical mechanism to process an input signal in order tocollapse the equipment for easy and convenient storage, moving, orhandling.

BACKGROUND

One of the many challenges facing designers of home exercise equipmentis designing equipment that can easily be collapsed for quick and easystorage in a closet, under a bed, or other similar place. As exerciseequipment is often large and unsightly, quick and easy storage of theequipment is an important concern for consumers. Meanwhile, theequipment must remain rugged and durable for an exercise routine and,yet, it is desirable that the same equipment be collapsible such that itcan be stored with a minimum of effort and taking up a minimum of floorspace.

Several exercise devices have been developed that allow a person, oncehe or she has completed his or her exercise routine, to collapse theequipment such that it may be easily moved or stored. These devicestypically involve a series of hinges, levers, and locking pins that aremanipulated by the user before and after storage. These devices,however, can be cumbersome to handle and may require additional strainand effort on the part of the user in order to collapse the equipment.

A number of devices have been developed that ease the collapsing processby utilizing a motor and mechanical mechanism. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,200,6,267,710, 6,471,622, 6,726,602, 6,872,169, and 6,913,563, for example,disclose treadmill type exercise equipment that utilize the treadmill'smotor mechanism to collapse the treadmill into a flat position for easystorage. Thus, a person can more easily store the equipment whileexpending a minimum of additional effort because the treadmill motorperforms the mechanical work needed to collapse the equipment. Suchmechanized collapsing equipment, however, has not been applied toseveral other types of motorized exercise equipment.

Therefore, there remains in the art a long felt need for a mechanism forquickly and easily collapsing a number of types of exercise equipmentwhile requiring a minimum amount of effort expended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention are directed toward overcoming theabove shortcomings by disclosing a mechanism that may be adapted to anumber of types of exercise equipment to facilitate the equipment'squick and easy automated collapse.

The device operates, generally speaking, by utilizing anelectromechanical mechanism to manipulate parts of the equipment. Uponreceiving an input signal, a command processor and automated controlmechanism provides a signal to the equipment's electromechanicalmechanism to manipulate and collapse certain aspects of the equipment,thus allowing easier storage. The device is an improvement on apparatussuch as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,847 wherein the mechanismis used to adjust workout parameters because, in this invention, themechanism is also used as an automated means of collapsing the device.

This invention may operate by employing the mechanical mechanismsexisting within the exercise equipment to perform the collapsingfunction or, alternatively, use a separate mechanical mechanism that issolely dedicated to the automated collapsing process.

Also, as claimed below, a myriad of types of exercise equipment, suchas: stair climbers, treadmills, exercise bicycles, sit-up devices,rowing devices, complete whole-body exercise devices, and further suchdevices, may employ the disclosed mechanism in order to facilitateautomated collapse.

In one embodiment of this invention, an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus, such as the apparatus taught in U.S. Pat. No.6,786,847, utilizes an additional electromechanical mechanism at thefoot of the inclined place in order to drive a set of wheels that serveto collapse the apparatus. Upon receiving a command to fold the unit,the vertical translation mechanism raises the inclined plane to itshighest position. Then, as the wheels beneath the incline plane rotate,pushing the plane towards the vertical tower, a hinge in the middle ofthe plane is released, allowing the plane to fold. The verticaltranslation mechanism is lowered in coordination with the turning of thewheels, such that the apparatus collapses into a “Z-shape,” with thevertical tower forming the uppermost portion of the “Z.” Release of thefolded apparatus follows the opposite sequence.

In another embodiment of this invention, an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus, such as the apparatus taught in U.S. Pat. No.6,786,847, utilizes an additional electromechanical mechanism at thebase of the tower in order to winch a cable that extends from the footof the inclined plane to the base of the vertical tower. As the cable iswinched inwards, the vertical translation mechanism is adjusted to amiddle position. The cable's force on the inclined plane causes thehinge in the middle of the plane to be released and, as the wheels ofthe plane are pulled towards the vertical tower, the apparatus collapsesinto a “Z-shape”, with the vertical tower forming the uppermost portionof the “Z”. Release of the folded apparatus follows the oppositesequence.

In another embodiment of the invention described in the above paragraph,rather than using an additional electromechanical mechanism, the sameelectromechanical mechanism used by the vertical translation mechanismis coupled with gears, cables, chains, and/or pulleys in order toeffectuate the winching effect on the cable. A cable can be used whichruns beneath the inclined plane, via pulleys, from the elevatingplatform to the wheels at the distal end of the inclined plane.

In another embodiment of the invention, the same electromechanicalapparatus for collapsing is adapted for use with exercise equipment thatlacks motorized inclination adjustment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein a fully collapsed position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein a fully collapsed position.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention while ina fully collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position. In FIG. 1A an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its constituent parts includingthe elevating platform 2 and worm gear 3, that serve to elevate andlower the inclined plane and a sliding pad 8 upon which to performexercises. The inclined plane of the exercise apparatus is divided to aproximate half 4 and a distal half 5, that are connected and articulatewith one another by a hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclinedplane. Upon receiving a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, anelectro-mechanical mechanism located at the distal end of the inclinedplane, drives the wheels 7, also located in the distal end of theinclined plane, to drive the inclined plane towards the elevatingplatform 2 and effectuate collapse of the exercise apparatus 1. Themotion of the wheels 7 is coordinated with the motion of the elevatingplatform 2 such that the exercise apparatus 1 fully collapses uponreceiving the signal.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In FIG. 1B an inclinedplane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevatingplatform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear 3, in order to allow theexercise apparatus to collapse. The proximate half 4 and a distal half 5are no longer parallel, as the hinge 6 located in the middle of theinclined plane is now bending and the sliding pad 8 collapsing alongwith the distal half of the inclined plane. The electro-mechanicalmechanism drives wheels 7 to drive the inclined plane towards theelevating platform 2 and effectuate collapse of the exercise apparatus1.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein a fully collapsed position. In FIG. 2A an inclined planecomplete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevating platform 2is fully lowered by the worm gear 3. The proximate half 4 of theinclined plane lies adjacent to the elevating platform 2 and a distalhalf 5 and sliding pad 8 is also collapsed towards the elevatingplatform 2, as the hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined planeis now fully closed. The wheels 7 are as close to the elevating platformas possible, now that the unit has reached its fully collapsed position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position. In FIG. 2B an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its constituent parts includingthe elevating platform 2 and worm gear 3, that serve to elevate andlower the inclined plane and a sliding pad 8 upon which to performexercises. The inclined plane of the exercise apparatus is divided to aproximate half 4 and a distal half 5, that are connected and articulatewith one another by a hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclinedplane. Upon receiving a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, anelectro-mechanical mechanism located within the elevating platform 2,drives a winch 7 that pulls a cable 10 to pull the wheels towards theelevating platform. The motion of the winch 9 and cable 10 iscoordinated with the motion of the elevating platform 2 such that theexercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In FIG. 3A an inclinedplane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevatingplatform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear 3, in order to allow theexercise apparatus to collapse. The proximate half 4 and a distal half 5are no longer parallel, as the hinge 6 located in the middle of theinclined plane is now bending and the sliding pad 8 collapsing alongwith the distal half of the inclined plane. The electro-mechanicalmechanism drives the winch 9 to pull the cable 10 and the wheels 7towards the elevating platform 2. The motion of the winch 9 and cable 10is coordinated with the motion of the elevating platform 2 such that theexercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein a fully collapsed position. In FIG. 3B an inclined planecomplete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevating platform 2is fully lowered by the worm gear 3. The proximate half 4 of theinclined plane lies adjacent to the elevating platform 2 and a distalhalf 5 and sliding pad 8 is also collapsed towards the elevatingplatform 2, as the hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined planeis now fully closed. The winch 9 is fully tightened and the wheels 7 areas close to the elevating platform as possible, now that the unit hasreached its fully collapsed position.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an inclined position. In FIG. 4A an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its constituent parts includingthe elevating platform 2 and worm gear 3, that serve to elevate andlower the inclined plane and a sliding pad 8 upon which to performexercises. The inclined plane of the exercise apparatus is divided to aproximate half 4 and a distal half 5, that are connected and articulatewith one another via a hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclinedplane. Upon receiving a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, anelectro-mechanical mechanism located in the elevating platform 2 servesto adjust the position of the elevating platform 2. A cable 10 isconnected via pulleys 11 and 12 to the elevating platform 2, at anattachment point 13. The motion of the elevating platform 2, pulleys 11and 12, and cable 10 are coordinated such that the wheels 7 are pulledinwards and the exercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving thesignal.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention whilein an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In FIG. 4B an inclinedplane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevatingplatform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear 3, in order to allow theexercise apparatus to collapse. The proximate half 4 and a distal half 5are no longer parallel, as the hinge 6 located in the middle of theinclined plane is now bending and the sliding pad 8 collapsing alongwith the distal half of the inclined plane. The electro-mechanicalmechanism located in the elevating platform 2 serves to adjust theposition of the elevating platform 2. A cable 10 is connected viapulleys 11 and 12 to the elevating platform 2, at an attachment point13. The motion of the elevating platform 2, pulleys 11 and 12, and cable10 are coordinated such that the wheels 7 are pulled inwards and theexercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention while ina fully collapsed position. In FIG. 5 an inclined plane complete-bodyexercise apparatus 1 is shown as the elevating platform 2 is fullylowered by the worm gear 3. The proximate half 4 of the inclined planelies adjacent to the elevating platform 2 and a distal half 5 andsliding pad 8 is also collapsed towards the elevating platform 2, as thehinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane is now fully closed.A cable 10 is connected via pulleys 11 and 12 to the elevating platform2, at an attachment point 13. The elevating platform 2 is now fullylowered and the cable 10 is pulled such that the wheels 7 are drawn asclose to the elevating platform as possible 7.

1. A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapsefeature, comprising: a bed support, comprising an inclined surface,having a bed support first end that is supported on a floor by at leastone horizontal translation roller that rolls on the floor and therebyallows the first end to be translated, and having a bed support secondend, a vertically oriented support that receives, holds and allowsrotation of the bed support second end so that the bed support is heldat a selected incline angle “theta” relative to the floor, a support bedthat supports a person and that moves along the bed support between thebed support first end and the second bed support end, a commandprocessor to receive and implement a command for a change in at leastone control parameter associated with an exercise/therapy workout, avertical translation mechanism, associated with the vertical support,that translates the bed support second end along the vertical support bya selected amount in response to receipt of an electronic signal fromthe command processor, without requiring that the person dismount fromthe support bed and without requiring that the person interrupt anexercise/therapy workout, said command processor further configured toreceive one or more input signals to commence collapsing orun-collapsing of the exercise equipment and to generate a first outputsignal, said first output signal to be received by a control unit; saidcontrol unit configured to generate a second output signal upon receiptof said first output signal according to a predetermined algorithm, saidsecond output signal to be received by a second mechanical mechanismthat controls the movement one or more physical aspects of the exerciseequipment, and said second mechanical mechanism to translate one or morephysical aspects of the exercise equipment such that the exerciseequipment is collapsed or un-collapsed as a result of the translation ofthe one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment.
 2. Aphysical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse featureaccording to claim 1, wherein physical exercise apparatus utilizes anadditional electro-mechanical mechanism connected to horizontaltranslation roller in order to effectuate the collapse of the exerciseequipment by translating the inclined surface towards the verticallyoriented support.
 3. A physical exercise apparatus featuring anautomated collapse feature according to claim 1, wherein physicalexercise apparatus utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanismto winch a cable, said cable running between said vertically orientedsupport and the inclined surface, wherein the winching of said cableeffectuates the collapse of the equipment.
 4. A physical exerciseapparatus featuring an automated collapse feature according to claim 1,wherein physical exercise apparatus utilizes said vertical translationmechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between said verticallyoriented support and the inclined surface, wherein the winching of saidcable effectuates the collapse of the equipment.
 5. An automatedmechanism for collapsing exercise equipment, comprising: a commandprocessor, said command processor configured to receive one or moreinput signals to commence collapsing or un-collapsing of the exerciseequipment and to generate a first output signal, said first outputsignal to be received by a control unit; said control unit configured togenerate a second output signal upon receipt of said first output signalaccording to a predetermined algorithm, said second output signal to bereceived by a mechanical mechanism that controls the movement one ormore physical aspects of the exercise equipment, said mechanicalmechanism to translate one or more physical aspects of the exerciseequipment such that the exercise equipment is collapsed or un-collapsedas a result of the translation.
 6. An automated mechanism for collapsingexercise equipment according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipmentis a complete exercise system that utilizes the body weight of a person,along an inclined plane of variable angle, to generate resistance.
 7. Anautomated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to claim6, wherein said complete exercise system utilizes an additionalelectro-mechanical mechanism connected to rolling wheels, the rollingwheels located at the base of the inclined plane of the equipment, inorder to effectuate the collapse of the exercise equipment bytranslating the inclined plane towards the vertical tower.
 8. Anautomated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to claim6, wherein said complete exercise system utilizes an additionalelectro-mechanical mechanism to winch a cable, said cable runningbetween a vertical section and the inclined plane of the equipment,winching of said cable effectuating the collapse of the equipment.
 9. Anautomated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to claim8, wherein said complete exercise system utilizes the electro-mechanicalmechanism employed by the vertical translation mechanism to winch acable, said cable running between a vertical section and the inclinedplane of the equipment, winching of said cable effectuating the collapseof the equipment.
 10. An automated mechanism for collapsing exerciseequipment according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is asimulated stair climbing device that uses a mechanical mechanism togenerate variable speed and resistance.
 11. An automated mechanism forcollapsing exercise equipment according to claim 5, wherein saidexercise equipment is a treadmill type exercise device that uses amechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.
 12. Anautomated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to claim5, wherein said exercise equipment is a sit-up exercise device that usesa mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.
 13. Anautomated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to claim5, wherein said exercise equipment is a rowing machine type exercisedevice that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed andresistance.
 14. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipmentaccording to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a stationarybicycle type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism togenerate variable speed and resistance.